What’s the value of homeownership? There are so many, and likely some that you haven’t even considered. If you are currently renting, and would like to own a home, now is the time to speak with a loan officer. If you think homeownership is in the distant future, it’s always good to plan and understand the process and what you will need to do.

I’m sure you’ve heard the term LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. But what about EQUITY, EQUITY, EQUITY? If you are renting, who do you think builds equity? I don’t know about you, but I would much rather put money in my bank account than in someone else’s account. Here are some of the obvious benefits of homeownership;

Rent vs. Owning

Loan Officer, Victoria Juran of Movement Mortgage shared this chart with me. Imagine all of that money spent in rent, with nothing to show for it after 30 years! It’s kind of like putting money in a piggy bank each month for years and when you decide to break open the bank, there’s nothing there!

Homeownership Statistics

According the Florida Realtors’® Chief Economist, Dr. Brad O’Connor,

Closed Sales are one of the simplest—yet most important—indicators for the residential real estate market. When comparing Closed Sales across markets of different sizes, we recommend comparing the percent changes in sales rather than the number of sales. Closed Sales (and many other market metrics) are affected by seasonal cycles, so actual trends are more accurately represented by year-over-year changes (i.e. comparing a month’s sales to the amount of sales in the same month in the previous year), rather than changes from one month to the next.

In the State of Florida, Closed Sales increased 17% in September and 8.5% in October. Year-to-Date 2018, Closed Sales have increased 3.3%

What’s the Cost of Waiting?

Are you ready to be a part of the homeowner stats? There could be a substantial cost to you if you delay homeownership. Here’s an example showing the difference in payments when the interest rate rises by one percentage point.

Purchase Price: $350,000.

Loan Amount: $280,000.

Interest Rate: 5% vs 6%

Monthly Payment: $1,503. at 5% and $1,679. at 6%

It may seem like a minimal increase, but that additional $176 per month adds up to OVER $63,000 during the life of the loan. When you are ready to talk about purchasing a home, talk with trusted professionals that can guide you through the entire process.

[The above numbers are used as an example. These are not guaranteed terms. There are several variables that can affect your rate and your payment. Speak to a licensed loan officer for specifics.]

When you’re ready, I’m ready to guide you into homeownership. Call me at 239-595-0205 or email me now. There are some great incentives with area builders and a good selection of resale homes on the market.

]]>https://sonjapound.com/homebuyer/whats-the-value-of-homeownership/feed/0Weekend Events | Naples FL | December 14 – 16, 2018https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-fl-dec-14-16-2018/
https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-fl-dec-14-16-2018/#respondThu, 13 Dec 2018 10:00:19 +0000https://sonjapound.com/?p=2950Can you believe it’s already the middle of December? Everywhere you turn it’s Christmas specials, advertisements and, of course, lots of Christmas carols. One of my favorites is by the timeless Irving Berlin, I’m dreaming of a white Christmas , With every Christmas card I write , May your days be merry and bright , And may all […]

]]>Can you believe it’s already the middle of December? Everywhere you turn it’s Christmas specials, advertisements and, of course, lots of Christmas carols. One of my favorites is by the timeless Irving Berlin,

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas , With every Christmas card I write , May your days be merry and bright , And may all your Christmases be white…

Whether you are dreaming of a white Christmas or a Christmas on the beach, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone busy. Not in the Christmas spirit? That’s ok, too. There are so many events that have nothing to do with the holidays. Whatever events you choose, I hope you have a wonderful time. Share this post with family and friends to start your fun-filled December weekend.

Please share this post with friends by using the share bars. I’ve made it super easy for you to share to Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn and more. Simply click the icon of choice and share away. Tagyour friends and start planning your holiday fun!

Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. Please check with the venue’s website or call to confirm.

]]>https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-fl-dec-14-16-2018/feed/0Weekend Events | Naples FL | December 7 – 9, 2018https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-fl-dec-7-9-2018/
https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-fl-dec-7-9-2018/#respondThu, 06 Dec 2018 10:00:40 +0000https://sonjapound.com/?p=2885It will be snowing on Third Street South this week! If you haven’t seen snow in Florida before, don’t miss this fun event. Make your reservations now to have dinner downtown after the snowfall and take advantage of Restaurant Week. Your options are endless this weekend; hockey, basketball, volunteer opportunities, fantastic performances all over SWFL […]

]]>It will be snowing on Third Street South this week! If you haven’t seen snow in Florida before, don’t miss this fun event. Make your reservations now to have dinner downtown after the snowfall and take advantage of Restaurant Week. Your options are endless this weekend; hockey, basketball, volunteer opportunities, fantastic performances all over SWFL and so much more. What events will you attend? Share this post with family and friends to start your merry weekend.

Sizzle SWFL Restaurant Week is your chance to try a new restaurant at a more affordable price point. Participating restaurants offer specially crafted, two-course lunch and three-course dinner ranging from just $16 – $21 for lunch and $26 – $36 for dinner. Make your reservations now. It’s time to enjoy some amazing food and service from our talented local restaurants all while supporting the FGCU Food & Beverage Scholarship program. There are participating restaurants in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita, Naples and Marco Island.

Please share this post with friends by using the share bars. I’ve made it super easy for you to share to Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn and more. Simply click the icon of choice and share away. Tagyour friends and start planning your holiday fun!

Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. Please check with the venue’s website or call to confirm.

]]>https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-fl-dec-7-9-2018/feed/0Weekend Events | Naples FL | Nov 30 – Dec 2, 2018https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-fl-nov-30-dec-2-2018/
https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-fl-nov-30-dec-2-2018/#respondThu, 29 Nov 2018 10:00:08 +0000https://sonjapound.com/?p=2850There’s a little chill in the air – time for hot chocolate, sweaters and holiday spirit. Let the Christmas carols begin, as you enjoy tree lightings, festival of lights, ELF the Musical and more. If you are not quite ready for holiday celebrations, there are many events for you, too. This weekend marks the start […]

]]>There’s a little chill in the air – time for hot chocolate, sweaters and holiday spirit. Let the Christmas carols begin, as you enjoy tree lightings, festival of lights, ELF the Musical and more. If you are not quite ready for holiday celebrations, there are many events for you, too. This weekend marks the start of Sizzle SWFL Restaurant Week. Make your reservations and enjoy great food at dozens of local restaurants. Keep reading for more great weekend ideas!

Sizzle SWFL Restaurant Week is your chance to try a new restaurant at a more affordable price point. Participating restaurants offer specially crafted, two-course lunch and three-course dinner ranging from just $16 – $21 for lunch and $26 – $36 for dinner. Make your reservations now. It’s time to enjoy some amazing food and service from our talented local restaurants all while supporting the FGCU Food & Beverage Scholarship program. There are participating restaurants in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita, Naples and Marco Island.

Please share this post with friends by using the share bars. I’ve made it super easy for you to share to Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn and more. Simply click the icon of choice and share away. Tagyour friends and start planning your holiday fun!

Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. Please check with the venue’s website or call to confirm.

]]>https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-fl-nov-30-dec-2-2018/feed/0Weekend Events | Naples FL | November 23 – 25, 2018https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-fl-november-23-25-2018/
https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-fl-november-23-25-2018/#respondThu, 22 Nov 2018 10:00:56 +0000https://sonjapound.com/?p=2824After you’ve had enough turkey and stuffing, get out of the house and get in the holiday spirit this weekend. I know there are Black Friday events, but it’s going to be another perfect fall weekend in SWFL. Enjoy the cooler temperatures and the fun events happening in Naples, Bonita and beyond. The sand sculpting […]

]]>After you’ve had enough turkey and stuffing, get out of the house and get in the holiday spirit this weekend. I know there are Black Friday events, but it’s going to be another perfect fall weekend in SWFL. Enjoy the cooler temperatures and the fun events happening in Naples, Bonita and beyond. The sand sculpting competition wraps up this weekend in Fort Myers Beach, The Village Shops on Venetian Village begins their holiday celebrations, a few farmer’s markets and so much more. And, it’s Small Business Saturday! Show your appreciation for our amazing small businesses and help support them this holiday season. Keep reading for more great weekend ideas, besides eating leftovers!

Please share this post with friends by using the share bars. I’ve made it super easy for you to share to Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn and more. Simply click the icon of choice and share away. Tagyour friends and start planning your amazing post-turkey weekend!

Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. Please check with the venue’s website or call to confirm.

]]>https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-fl-november-23-25-2018/feed/0Weekend Events | Naples FL | November 16 – 18, 2018https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-fl-november-16-18-2018/
https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-fl-november-16-18-2018/#respondThu, 15 Nov 2018 10:00:21 +0000https://sonjapound.com/?p=2799James Taylor said, “Being on a boat that’s moving through the water, it’s so clear. Everything falls into place in terms of what’s important and what’s not.” Living in SWFL being on the water is a way of life. If you are looking for the perfect boat, this is your weekend. The 46th Annual Fort […]

]]>James Taylor said, “Being on a boat that’s moving through the water, it’s so clear. Everything falls into place in terms of what’s important and what’s not.” Living in SWFL being on the water is a way of life. If you are looking for the perfect boat, this is your weekend. The 46th Annual Fort Myers Boat Show starts on Thursday and runs all weekend. It’s downtown on the Caloosahatchee, in the heart of the River District. It promises to be fun for the entire family. If you are concerned with parking, due to construction, the WINK News app has a map detailing ways around the area. Besides the boat show, how about the Fair at Fenway South, an art auction (painted by animals) or a country hoedown? Keep reading for more great weekend ideas.

Please share this post with friends by using the share bars. I’ve made it super easy for you to share to Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn and more. Simply click the icon of choice and share away. Tagyour friends and start planning your amazing weekend!

Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. Please check with the venue’s website or call to confirm.

]]>https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-fl-november-16-18-2018/feed/0Weekend Events | Naples FL | November 9 – 11, 2018https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-fl-november-9-11-2018/
https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-fl-november-9-11-2018/#respondThu, 08 Nov 2018 10:00:27 +0000https://sonjapound.com/?p=2737This weekend is all about supporting and thanking our veterans. The Village School is collecting items for the USO, 93X is sponsoring a charity event that benefits veterans and, of course, you can enjoy a parade. There’s never a dull moment in SWFL. What events do you plan to attend this weekend? Friday, November 9th […]

]]>This weekend is all about supporting and thanking our veterans. The Village School is collecting items for the USO, 93X is sponsoring a charity event that benefits veterans and, of course, you can enjoy a parade. There’s never a dull moment in SWFL. What events do you plan to attend this weekend?

Please share this post with friends by using the share bars. I’ve made it super easy for you to share to Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn and more. Simply click the icon of choice and share away. Tagyour friends and start planning your amazing weekend!

Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. Please check with the venue’s website or call to confirm.

]]>https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-fl-november-9-11-2018/feed/0Weekend Events | Naples Florida | November 2 – 4, 2018https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-florida-november-2-4-2018/
https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-florida-november-2-4-2018/#respondThu, 01 Nov 2018 10:00:38 +0000https://sonjapound.com/?p=2736It finally feels like Fall in Florida! It might still be in the 80’s, but I’ll take it. There are so many events this weekend to enjoy in the cooler, less humid weather. It’s time to get outside, and remember why we live in SWFL. If you have never been to a Swamp Buggy Race, […]

]]>It finally feels like Fall in Florida! It might still be in the 80’s, but I’ll take it. There are so many events this weekend to enjoy in the cooler, less humid weather. It’s time to get outside, and remember why we live in SWFL. If you have never been to a Swamp Buggy Race, this is your weekend. It’s a unique, family fun event that you don’t want to miss. This is certainly the time of year to appreciate all that our area has to offer. Especially as I hear about the Nor’easter, flooding and cold weather our northern friends are experiencing.

Please share this post with friends by using the share bars. I’ve made it super easy for you to share to Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn and more. Simply click the icon of choice and share away. Tagyour friends and start planning your amazing weekend!

Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. Please check with the venue’s website or call to confirm.

]]>https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-florida-november-2-4-2018/feed/0How to Prepare Your Home for a Photo Shoothttps://sonjapound.com/selling-home/how-to-prepare-your-home-for-a-photo-shoot/
https://sonjapound.com/selling-home/how-to-prepare-your-home-for-a-photo-shoot/#commentsMon, 29 Oct 2018 10:00:18 +0000https://sonjapound.com/?p=2715The post How to Prepare Your Home for a Photo Shoot appeared first on Sonja Pound.
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Are you thinking about selling your home and wondering how to prepare your home for a photo shoot? It’s highly likely that the person that buys your home will view it online first. Consumers like the ease of online home searches via sites like Zillow.com, Realtor.com, Trulia.com and more. It’s important that your home stand out among the thousands of other listings in your area. If the first few photos don’t keep their attention, they are likely moving on to the next property.

According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), In 1981, 22% of home buyers read newspaper ads to find a home and 8% used friends as an information source. In 2016, 44% looked for properties online first.

Make a Plan

I know there are so many things to consider when selling your home – even before it’s listed. Cleaning, organizing, staging, de-personalizing… And then when it is listed, you have open houses and showings to think about. The process can be stressful and, at times, confusing. You have likely never signed so many documents in your life. And, we all know that real estate decisions are typically the greatest financial decision we will ever make. Working with the right Realtor® will greatly reduce your stress and confusion. Your agent will guide you through the entire process, from pre-listing to closing. Now let’s get to the photo shoot details, as it’s one of the first steps once you have signed a listing contract.

Insist on a Professional Photographer

It does not matter if your home is going to be listed for $100,000 or $10M. Your home deserves professional photos. As a Realtor®, I cringe when I see homes that have photos taken with a smart phone. That is NOT good enough. A professional considers lighting, furniture and accessory placement, angles and highlighting the best features of your home. When a great agent and photographer team up, you will not see;

Used bathroom towels

Messy kitchen

Unmade beds

Crooked artwork

Dark, cave-like rooms

Toilet seats up

Pro Photographer + Home Stager

If your home needs updating, consider hiring a staging company. Nothing says your home has been neglected like stained, damaged walls and worn furniture. Painting is such an inexpensive, fast fix. Talk with your agent about paint colors before you visit the paint store. Your agent will know what buyers are looking for in your area and will be able to guide you when choosing the right neutral paint for your home.

Do you know that staged homes sell an average of 73% faster? If needed, consider staging at least a few of the most important rooms in your home – living room, master bedroom and kitchen. You want people to walk in, either in-person or online and imagine themselves living in your home. Make it as inviting as possible – before you have professional photos taken.

Selling a home can be an emotional time. Hiring a Realtor® with a proven marketing plan that includes staging if needed will make the process much easier for you. They will be able to look at your home objectively, and partnered with a home staging expert, recommend any changes that will make your home more attractive to potential buyers. When you are ready to move, make sure to sign up below for my email list and I will send you a Moving Checklist that will help you stay organized through the process.

Selling your home in the Naples, Florida area? Look at my Proven Sales Plan to see how I will market your home. If you need an amazing Realtor® anywhere else in the world, I can help with that too. Call (239-595-0205) or email me now.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Photo Shoot | Sonja Pound | Naples, Florida

]]>https://sonjapound.com/selling-home/how-to-prepare-your-home-for-a-photo-shoot/feed/2Weekend Events | Naples Florida | October 26 – 28, 2018https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-florida-october-26-28-2018/
https://sonjapound.com/weekend/weekend-events-naples-florida-october-26-28-2018/#respondThu, 25 Oct 2018 10:00:51 +0000https://sonjapound.com/?p=2700You probably guessed this weekend’s events include zombies, pumpkins and all-things Halloween. If It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is a family favorite, plan to stop in at Bass Pro Shops this weekend. Do you know that classic originally aired in 1966? If Halloween isn’t your favorite holiday, there’s still so much to do in the Naples […]

]]>You probably guessed this weekend’s events include zombies, pumpkins and all-things Halloween. If It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is a family favorite, plan to stop in at Bass Pro Shops this weekend. Do you know that classic originally aired in 1966? If Halloween isn’t your favorite holiday, there’s still so much to do in the Naples area. Charity events, food festivals, music and comedy shows… Keep reading to plan your Spooktacular weekend.

Please share this post with friends by using the share bars. I’ve made it super easy for you to share to Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google+ and more. Simply click the icon of choice and share away. Tagyour friends and start planning your amazing weekend!

Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. Please check with the venue’s website or call to confirm.